ESRL Global Systems Division

FX-Net Used to Support Clean-up Efforts in the Aftermath of Katrina

The National Weather Service has implemented an
All-hazards Meteorological Response System (AMRS) to support the NWS
Incident Meteorologists (IMETs) at remote locations. This small group
of approximately 50 experienced and certified meteorologists is
dispatched to remote locations to support All-Hazards operations.
Special training in microscale forecasting, fire behavior, and fire
suppression operations makes these forecasters key members of an
emergency incident management team.

IMETs use special equipment in preparing critical
forecasts used in hazardous situations, such as wildfire suppression
and prescribed burning projects. One of these tools is the AMRS, which
enables forecasters to operate at the incident command post, providing
close meteorological support to incident operations. The AMRS can be
used throughout the country wherever wildfire, chemical spills, and
other catastrophes threatens life, property, or other valuable
resources. The core component of the system is the NOAA Forecast
Systems Laboratory's (FSL) FX-Net system.

FX-Net provides AWIPS-like displays on a laptop
remote from the data server. FX-Net has been deployed to all fires
requiring IMET support during the last two fire weather seasons.
FX-Net delivers high-resolution satellite, radar, observational, and
weather prediction model data from a server in either the Western,
Southern, Pacific, or Alaska regions. Any type of network link can be
used to access the server data at speeds ranging from low-bandwidth 56
kbps to high-speed, two-way satellite based communications systems.
Bandwidth limitations are addressed by using a Wavelet data
compression technique along with multithreaded client-side processing
and communication.

In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, rescue and
evacuation operations were supported by an IMET who was on the scene
at the New Orleans WFO (Slidell) on August 30. Additional IMETs were
deployed to Baton Rouge, LA and Stennis Space Center, MS.

Here's what they have to say about using FX-Net in
the field:

We have both the Windows and Linux version of
FX-Net installed at the Emergency Operations Center in Baton Rouge.
Two meteorologists are providing on-site support at that location.
They have briefed the Governor and other dignitaries plus the usual
suite of daily briefings to support response and recovery
operations.

[FX-Net] is installed on the Linux workstation
and Windows based PC in our cubicle at the LA office of Emergency
Preparedness. It is our primary method to view model/sat/sfc
obs/radar and text browser for our weather briefing and HAZMAT
forecasts. We have briefed many federal, state, and local agencies and
individuals using it, giving FX-Net great exposure. In fact the LSU
folks want it, or access to, it really badly! I and of course other
IMETs plan on using it extensively when "in the field" for
HAZMAT.